Rhode Island School Counselor Certification Reciprocity

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: March 10th, 2025

Rhode Island Licensing Body

School Counselor Certification Reciprocity Process in Rhode Island

For School Counselors seeking certification in Rhode Island through reciprocity (see Certification Overview), there are specific avenues and requirements based on the type of credentials and origin of certification. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Out-of-State Certificate Holder

• Requirements:
  • Hold a valid, current, full out-of-state certificate.
  • The certificate must align with a specific RI certificate grade range and content area. Temporary or preliminary certificates are not accepted.

• Application Process:
  • Review Testing Requirements: Ensure you meet the Rhode Island testing requirements for the specific certificate area.
  • Submit Application Materials:
    • Completed application for initial certification (online portal).
    • Official student-issued transcripts.
    • Letter of verification of a completed approved program stating the content and grade range.
    • Official test report, if it hasn’t already been sent to RIDE.
  • Include Fees: Pay the $100 initial application fee.

Inter-State Flexibility

• States with Inter-State Flexibility:
  • For educators from the 16 specified states with inter-state flexibility, the process is simplified: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Vermont, and Virginia.
• Requirements:
  • Hold valid RI-like certificates.
  • Completed state-approved programs from the listed states.
  • No need to take RI-required tests or meet experience requirements, except if a specific RI certificate (independent certificate) is needed for eligibility for a second certificate (dependent certificate).
• Application Process:
  • Submit Application Materials:
    • Completed application for initial certification (online portal).
    • Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
    • Proof of passing score for the Professional School Counselor Exam (ETS Test Code 5422) or equivalent.
    • Copy of current, valid school counseling credential.
  • Include Fees: Pay the $100 initial application fee.

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)

For service members and their spouses moving to Rhode Island due to military orders:

• Requirements:
  • Hold a professional license or certificate.
    • License or certificate must have been actively used during the two (2) years preceding the move.
    • Remain in good standing with the licensing authority that issued the license or certificate and any other relevant authorities.
  • Provide a copy of military orders.
    • Submit to the authority of the new jurisdiction for standards of practice, discipline, and continuing education requirements.
  • Application Process:
    • Submit Application Materials:
      • Completed application for initial certification (online portal).
      • Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
      • Proof of passing score for the Professional School Counselor Exam (ETS Test Code 5422) or equivalent.
      • Copy of current, valid school counseling credential.
      • Copy of military orders.
    • Include Fees: Pay the $100 initial application fee.

Non-RI State-Approved Preparation Program Completer

For individuals who completed state-approved preparation programs outside Rhode Island:

• Requirements:
  • The program must lead to comparable RI certificates.
  • Meet Rhode Island testing requirements.
• Application Process:
  • Submit Application Materials:
    • Completed application for initial certification (online portal).
    • Official student-issued transcripts.
    • Letter of verification of a completed approved program stating the content and grade range.
    • Official test report, if it hasn’t already been sent to RIDE.
  • Include Fees: Pay the $100 initial application fee.

For any questions or further information about the reciprocity process, you can email the certification office at eqac@ride.ri.gov or call  (401)-222-4600 during normal business hours.